How to Instruct Youth Sports Using the IDEA Concept

To coach youth sports you don't have to have played professionally, in college or even have been a great high school athlete. All you need is time, basic knowledge of the sport and to care about the young participants. You also need to be able to to communicate to kids and have a technique to express your message clearly and concisely. One technique to use when instructing youth sports is the IDEA concept. The IDEA concept is an acronym for a four-step teaching method which consists of Introducing the skill, Demonstrating the skill, Explaining the skill and Attending to the players practicing the skill.

Things You'll Need

  • Youth players
  • Sports equipment
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Instructions

    • 1
      When speaking you need to be in hearing distance of every player.

      Get the attention of your players. You can get your players' attention by sharing interesting stories, showing enthusiasm or by telling jokes. Also, before you begin speaking make sure you are within hearing distance of every player.

    • 2
      Coach explaining to player how to play catch.

      Introduce the skill. When introducing the skill tell the players what they are learning and the reason they are learning it. You can make it easier for the youth players to learn a skill be giving it a name. To enhance the probability of the players retaining the knowledge explain the importance of the skill and how it relates to a more advance skill.

    • 3
      When demonstrating a skill use the proper technique or form and repeat several times slowly.

      Demonstrate the skill. According to the American Education of Sport, "demonstrating the skill is the most important step in teaching sport skills to young players." The reason demonstration is important is that young players need to physically see how the skill is performed. When demonstrating, use the proper techniques and repeat several times slowly.

    • 4
      When explaining the skill, describe what the participant should be doing using simple and direct terms.

      Explain the skill. When demonstrating the skill give a short description about what the players should be doing. For example, when playing catch you must always watch the ball so you can always "look" the ball into your glove. Always use simple and direct terms when speaking to youth players.

    • 5
      After completing Steps 1 through 4, observe the participant and correct and praise his performance.

      Attend to the players performing the skill. When observing the players, praise them when they are doing things correctly and also correct any problems.